WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Obama administration today established a greenhouse gas pollution standard for motor vehicles that will result in the sale of cleaner, more efficient vehicles, and that is expected to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and lead to healthier air and lower fuel costs.

“This is a major victory in the fight against climate change. After eight years of court battles, and foot-dragging by the previous administration, the U.S. is finally requiring cleaner cars to be sold nationwide,” said Danielle Fugere, Regional Program Director for Friends of the Earth. “This rule will strengthen our economy and ensure that domestic automakers invest in cutting-edge technologies that reduce pollution and make their vehicles more competitive worldwide.”

Today’s action by the EPA and the Department of Transportation brings the nation in line with California’s 2002 Clean Cars law, the world’s first vehicle greenhouse gas reduction standard for cars. The Bluewater Network, which subsequently merged with Friends of the Earth, was an original sponsor of the landmark California law, and has worked since 2001 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

“California has long been on the forefront of the fight to make cars cleaner and more efficient. The action today reaffirms California’s leadership and represents a step forward by the Obama administration—one that will help stop emissions of dangerous pollutants that accelerate climate change,” said Danielle Fugere.

Starting with model year 2012 through 2016, new cars and light duty trucks will be required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 30 percent, equivalent to achieving approximately 35.5 miles per gallon if the standard were met entirely by fuel economy improvements.

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Friends of the Earth (www.foe.org) is the U.S. voice of the world’s largest grassroots environmental network, with member groups in 77 countries. Since 1969, Friends of the Earth has been at the forefront of high-profile efforts to create a more healthy, just world.